The More the Merrier

by Elena Graf

  ***

  “Still taking in strays, I see,” said Maggie, returning to the kitchen after serving drinks to their guests. They had settled in the living room, where the fire was blazing in the wood stove.

  “I’m sorry. I should have asked first if you minded inviting another guest.”

  “I don’t mind. You can invite as many drop-dead gorgeous women who sing opera as you like…now that your eyes are back in your head.”

  Liz paused mashing the potatoes and leaned over to give Maggie a kiss. “I have eyes only for you.”

  “You can look all you want, Liz. Just don’t touch,” said Maggie, pinching Liz’s thigh.

  “Speaking of women, I wasn’t go to tell you, but Jenny called. She and Laura are back from their honeymoon. They have no tree and the cupboard is bare. She asked it they could come for Christmas.”

  Maggie gave her a sharp look. “Liz, no. I’ve already entertained one of your exes for the holidays. That’s enough. What did you tell her?”

  “I said we already had a full house, but maybe they could come for New Years.”

  “Do what you want, but I, for one, could use a break,” said Maggie irritably. “I was hoping we could do something romantic for New Years.”

  “Maybe I can get a cabin up at Moosehead.”

  “I said romantic, Liz, not rustic.”

  “Maybe we could see the Northern Lights.”

  “Maybe we could stay home and relax…alone.”

  “Okay. If that’s what you want….”

  “Thank you,” said Maggie, reaching up to kiss her cheek.

  “Would you mind telling everyone that dinner is ready while I toss the salad?”

  Maggie called their guests to the table.

  “My goodness, this looks delicious,” said Lucy taking the seat next to Erika. “How lucky for me that you decided to come to the carols ceremony.”

  “It was Alina’s idea,” Erika explained. “And lucky for us to hear such a fine soprano voice. I’ve heard rumors that you used to sing at the Met.”

  Lucy blushed a little, which Liz found charming in such a poised, confident woman. “Yes, I was on the roster of sopranos at the Met, never a big star, but I sang there.”

  “Quite a change of profession,” observed Erika. “Obviously, it wasn’t because you lost your voice.”

  “No,” said Lucy, laughing softly. “Nothing like that.” She gave Erika a quick, curious look. “You said your name was Bultmann. There was a famous Lutheran theologian by that name.”

  “Yes, I know,” replied Erika, making a face. “No relation, thank heavens.”

  Lucy’s eyebrows rose slightly, but otherwise she seemed to take no offense. She turned to Liz. “Would you like me to lead us in a prayer before we eat?”

  Liz took a deep breath to keep a “No, thank you,” from shooting out of her mouth. She glanced across the table at Maggie for direction.

  “Yes, please, Lucy,” said Maggie graciously. “I’m sure we could all use some prayer.”

  Lucy made the sign of the cross of over the food and bowed her head. “Mother of us all, we give you thanks for this meal prepared for us by the skillful hands of your daughters. Thank you for their generosity in welcoming a stranger, and for the love and friendship that has brought us together at this table. Amen.”

  “That was a rather unconventional prayer,” observed Erika.

  “I think you’ll find I am a rather unconventional priest,” said Lucy, accepting the bowl of mashed potatoes.

  “Have you already written your Christmas homily?” Maggie asked.

  “It’s nearly done.”

  “May I ask the subject?” asked Erika.

  “I thought I’d preach on welcoming strangers. It’s germane to the Christmas story, of course, and we’ve suddenly have such an influx of refugees in Maine. At the Advent services, we’ve been collecting things they desperately need—warm clothing, toiletries, diapers for the babies.”

  “What a wonderful idea,” Maggie said.

  Lucy nodded. “It’s very moving to see the response. People here are so generous.”

  They were quiet while they consumed the meal. Liz who cooked by instinct and never cooked anything the same way twice was satisfied with the result and happy to see everyone enjoying her cooking.

  “Mom, I have a surprise for you,” said Sophia. “Dana-Farber has hired me as an attending in its oncology department. I’ll be moving to Boston.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful news!” said Maggie.

  “Congratulations, Sophia,” said Liz. “What a great start to your career.”

  “It was your recommendation that tipped the scales in my favor.”

  “Maybe, but you have impressive credentials. They are lucky to have you.”

  “When I’m in Boston, I’ll only be an hour and half away so I can come see you more often.”

  “And I’ll get to see you more often too, Phi. I’m staying up here.”

  Sophia frowned sympathetically. “Oh, Al. I’m sorry. Is it really that bad?”

  Alina sighed and nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

  Everyone at the table had fallen silent while the sisters spoke. Lucy put her hand on Alina’s arm. “If you ever need someone to talk to, I’ll be happy to listen.”

  “Thank you.”

  To dispel the gloomy atmosphere, Liz raised her wine glass. “Here’s to old friends and new friends, and happy holidays to all!”

  “I can drink to that!” Erika agreed, raising her glass.

  After the toast, Nicki began to fidget. “She wants to be fed,” said Alina, pushing back from the table.

  “I’ll take her for few minutes while you eat,” said Liz, getting up to reach for her. The baby squawked briefly, but finally settled down.

  “Dr. Stolz, I haven’t had a wonderful home cooked meal like this in forever,” Lucy said.

  “Thank you. But you must call me Liz. Everyone in town does.”

  “I really like that about this place. Everyone is so relaxed and friendly, even people I’ve just met. A plumber came to fix the water heater in the vicarage. Afterwards, he stood in my kitchen for an hour chatting with me. I offered him a cup of coffee, but he declined, saying he was leaving. Then he stood there for another hour, talking.”

  “Sounds about right,” Liz said with a quick laugh. “I learn a lot about what’s going on in town from the tradesmen. Also, I get to pick their brains about home repairs.”

  “It’s so different here from other places I’ve been stationed. Different in a good way.”

  “Well, we’re glad to have you,” said Maggie. “It might seem like a cozy, little place, but we have lots going on beneath the surface.”

  “Like everywhere,” observed Lucy, nodding.

  ***

  After dinner, Maggie took the girls upstairs to get them ready for bed while Liz tidied the kitchen. Their guests made themselves comfortable near the wood stove, luxuriating in the warm, dry heat. Liz heard the low murmur of their voices but couldn’t make out any of the words. She only knew that Alina was speaking because her voice was higher pitched than the others.

  Liz wrung out the sponge and switched off the overhead light. “Kitchen is closed,” she said aloud to herself as she always did when she finished cleanup.

  Maggie breezed into the room and gave her a quick kiss. “I came down to help you, but I see you’re all done.”

  “Good timing there, Maggie Fitzgerald.”

  “My intentions were good. You were just too quick,” said Maggie pulling her face down for a kiss. “You’re often too quick. You barely give me time to get started.”

  “And you can be sure I’ll be quick if I ever get you alone.”

  “Tonight, I’ll be sure to lock the door,” said Maggie, giving Liz’s backside an appreciative car
ess.

  “At least, we have Sophia here to absorb some of your granddaughter’s exuberant affection. Katrina can crawl into bed with her tonight.” Liz pulled her close to kiss her.

  “Oh, excuse me.” Erika’s voice. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  “It’s fine, Erika,” said Liz. “We shouldn’t be making out in the kitchen like two kids.”

  “Why not? I think it’s perfectly lovely that you still do. But you really should put up some mistletoe so the rest of us can get in on the act.”

  “Mistletoe,” repeated Maggie. “Never thought of that.”

  “Maggie, I came to ask you if you have a little gift bag for something very small.”

  “Notice she asks you,” said Liz.

  “That’s because she knows I would have something like that and know where it is, whereas you wouldn’t have a clue.”

  Maggie searched in the pantry closet and came up with a tiny red and white bag decorated with glitter. “How’s this? Too small?”

  “No, perfect. Thank you,” said Erika, taking away the little bag.

  “I wonder what that’s about,” said Liz.

  “We should join our guests,” Maggie suggested. She gave Liz a quick kiss. “Later, you,” she said, grazing Liz’s crotch with her fingertips.

  Before taking a seat, Liz put wood on the fire and turned down the vent. “Everyone comfortable?”

  “Oh, it’s wonderful,” said Lucy. “Delicious food and drink, amazing conversation, toasty fire…Can I stay forever?”

  “Sure,” said Liz. “We have lots of room.”

  “Unfortunately, I have chaplain duty at the hospice in the morning, but another time, perhaps,” said Lucy, glancing shyly at Erika.

  Erika cleared her throat. “Yes, well, now that Liz and Maggie have joined us, I have a gift for someone.” She rose and placed the little gift bag in Alina’s lap.

  “What’s this?” asked Alina, looking puzzled.

  “Look inside.”

  Alina put her hand in the bag and came up with a key on a keychain with a smiling sun charm.

  “It’s the key to my beach cottage,” Erika explained. “It’s a four-season house, fully insulated. The oil tank is full and, as you saw, there’s a very nice fireplace. It only has two bedrooms, but for the time being, I hope that’s enough.”

  “But I can’t pay you rent. I don’t have any money and no job.”

  “Never mind that. I don’t want rent. You’d be doing me an enormous favor by keeping an eye on the place. It’s only temporary, mind you. I’ll be back at the end of May around Memorial Day. Hopefully, by then, you’ll have found something else.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” A single tear ran down Alina’s cheek. “That’s so kind. I’ll pay you back rent once I get a job.”

  “No, you won’t. You’ll save your money to get back on your feet.”

  “Alina, I forgot to tell you that Tony called,” said Liz. “His friend at Channel Eight is willing to talk to you. Tony said to call him tomorrow to get all the details. I’ll give you his number.”

  At that, Alina began to cry openly. Maggie got up to offer her some tissues. “You’re all so kind,” said Alina, mopping her face. Lucy, sitting beside her, gently rubbed her shoulder.

  Alina escaped into the bathroom for privacy. Liz got up to get a bottle of cognac and glasses from the media room. Maggie followed her.

  “Did you have any idea Erika was going to offer her the cottage?”

  “No. None. But that’s Erika, sometimes she takes in strays too. Must come from being a refugee herself. That crusty exterior hides a very warm heart.”

  Alina chose to go to bed soon afterwards, followed by her sister, who’d gotten up early to make her flight. Maggie and Liz stayed up another hour with their guests.

  “Leave the light on over the stove when you go to bed,” Liz told Erika as she got up to leave.

  “Yes, Liz, I remember,” Erika replied, but her eyes never left Lucy’s face.

  Liz reached out her hand to Lucy. “Thanks for accepting my spur of the moment invitation. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.”

  Lucy got up and hugged Liz. “Thank you. This is the warmest welcome I’ve had since I arrived.” She hugged Maggie and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I hear you’re a singer too. We could use another professional voice to keep our choir in line,” she said close to Maggie’s ear.

  “Hmmn. I don’t know about that. I’m not an early riser.”

  “Our Eucharist service is at ten thirty.”

  “Well, maybe that’s not too early. We’ll see.”

  “Choir practice on Thursday nights at seven.”

  As Liz and Maggie walked the two flights of stairs to the third-floor bedroom, Maggie asked in a whisper, “Do you think it’s safe to leave them alone?”

  “They’re both adults.”

  “What do you think of her?”

  “I’m not usually a fan of people who wear dog collars, but this one is very interesting.”

  “I agree. I wonder what her story is. Quitting the Met to become a priest?”

  ‘We don’t know anything about her, but we’ll find out, I guess.”

  Liz was getting ready for bed when she saw car lights against the bathroom window. “I see Lucy’s heading home.” She glanced at the clock. It was near midnight. “Probably a good idea for the new vicar to sleep in her own bed and avoid gossip.”

  “Do you think there’s any interest?”

  Liz shrugged. “Erika certainly finds her attractive. And she is. No one can deny it. Are you going to sing in her church choir?”

  “Maybe,” said Maggie, heading out of the bathroom with a little wag of her hip.

  “You, tease,” said Liz, following her. She got into bed. “Finally, some peace and quiet.”

  “And now,” said Maggie, moving over her, “we can finally finish what we started. When was that? Two days ago? It seems like an eternity.” She kissed Liz, teasing her lips with her tongue. “Last night, you were useless.”

  “Blame Erika.”

  “Did she pour the scotch down your throat? Tap an IV?” asked Maggie, reaching into Liz’s pajama bottoms.

  There was a soft knock on the bedroom door. “Grandma?”

  Maggie shook her head. “It’s locked,” she whispered. “She’ll go back downstairs in a moment.”

  Barely breathing, they both listened in the dark. Then they heard another voice, Sophia’s. “Come on, kiddo. Back to bed. Let your grandmas sleep. They’re tired.”

  They listened to the footsteps retreat down the stairs. Maggie giggled softly. “There. All fixed. Now, where was I?”

  Also by Elena Graf

  OCCASIONS OF SIN

  For seven centuries, the German convent of Obberoth has been hiding the nuns’ secrets—forbidden passions, scandalous manuscripts locked away, a ruined medical career, perhaps even a murder. In 1931, aristocratic physician, Margarethe von Stahle, is determined to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding her head nurse, Sister Augustine, only to find herself embroiled in multiple conflicts that threaten to unravel her orderly life.

  LIES OF OMISSION

  In 1938, the Nazis are imposing their doctrine of “racial hygiene” on hospitals and universities, forcing professors to teach false science and doctors to collaborate in a program to eliminate the mentally ill and handicapped. Margarethe von Stahle is desperately trying to find a way to practice ethical medicine. She has always avoided politics, but now she must decide whether to remain on the sidelines or act on her convictions.

  ACTS OF CONTRITION

  World War II has finally come to an end and Berlin has fallen. Nearly everything Margarethe von Stahle has sworn to protect has been lost. After being brutally abused by occupying Russian soldiers, Margarethe must rely on the kindness of her friend
s to survive. Fortunately, the American Army has brought her former protégée, Sarah Weber, back to Berlin. As Margarethe confronts painful events that occurred during the war, she must learn both to forgive and be forgiven.

  HIGH OCTOBER

  Liz Stolz and Maggie Fitzgerald were college roommates until Maggie confessed to her parents that she’d fallen in love with a woman. Maggie gave up her dream of becoming an actress and married her high school boyfriend. Liz became a famous breast surgeon. Maggie is performing in a summer stock production near the Maine town where Liz is now a general practitioner. When Maggie breaks her leg in a stage accident, she lands in Dr. Stolz’s office. Is forty years too long to wait for the one you love?

  About the Author

  Elena Graf has published three historical novels set in Germany during the Weimar Republic and the Nazi era. Lies of Omission, the second book in the Passing Rites Series, won a Golden Crown Literary Society award for best historical fiction. High October was her first contemporary romance. The author pursued a Ph.D. but ended up in the “accidental profession” of publishing, where she worked for almost four decades. She lives in coastal Maine.

  If you liked this story and would like Elena to write more stories about the people of Hobbs, Maine, please write to her at elena.m.graf@gmail.com and tell her so!